Istanbul>>>>

not too many modern architecture examples, but great history

historical pennisula
Topkapi Palace: home of the sultans
Hagia Sophia: greatest church for over 1000 years, then a mosque, finally a museum right now
Sultanahmet Mosque
Byzantine Hippodrome: some info
Sunken Palace Cistern: sunken palace with 336 marble columns used as a water depot (underground)
Grand Bazaar: world's biggest covered historic Bazaar

19th century
Dolmabahce Palace
Beyoglu (Pera District)

great night clubs, nightlife (Ortakoy), busy city almost all day long, nice people, good food, too much traffic, doesnt really have a settled subway system, gotta use bus.

and finally dont forget to have a turkish coffee and take a Bosphorus cruise~~

Thanks gocce for your extensive response. It got me excited just by reading it! Obviously you've been there before? People around me seems to have this stereotype views about the safty level in Istanbul. How was is when you were there? Did you feel safe?

And,,,, anyone out there who can help me on Paris? I know there is the Pompidou, Louvre, Eiffel tower etc but..... I'm sure there are other things....that is a must see and must do. Thanks in advance everyone.

eat Kebab!!!!!!!!!! man do I love that stuff

dont forget to buy turkish delight, try the rose flavoured one.

should do the simit&tea breakfast in Kadıkoy! (simit= a thin torus shaped sesame turkish pretzel)

I also need urgent Paris info..have 3 days and have already been there once..

Didn't realize there were already a thread on Paris....

Cool things to See in Paris

But, more info on Istanbul won't hurt. Thanks !

If you are in Paris on Saturday or Sunday, go to the Puces St. Ouen right outside the city (metro: Porte de Clignancourt stop on the 4 line). It's like ebay, but in real life.

make sure you do this in istanbul.